Former Hawks captain Hodge gave statement to panel

Luke Hodge gave a statement to the inquiry into racism claims at Hawthorn, with the club's ex-skipper saying the allegations did not align with his experience.

LUKE HODGE.
LUKE HODGE. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Former Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge has revealed he provided a written statement to the now-disbanded independent panel set up to investigate racism claims at the Hawks.

The AFL called a snap media conference on Tuesday night to announce the formal end of the eight-month investigation.

No adverse findings were made against Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan or Jason Burt over the allegations, which became public via an ABC report last September.

Hodge, who captained Hawthorn between 2011 and 2016, said the claims that emerged in the media did not align with his experience.

"It was optional for any players or staff," Hodge told SEN about the investigation process.

"I was at the football club for 16 years ... we were in a lot of the main meetings, with any issues they come through the leadership group the majority of times.

"I felt initially the accusations that we read in the paper didn't match up to the three gentlemen accused or the culture of the football club."

Hodge said he spoke with numerous former teammates after the allegations surfaced.

"I'd spoken to a lot of Indigenous players (and) non-Indigenous players once it all came out, and they had the same sort of feeling, so when it was thrown up as optional to be a part of (I offered)," he said.

"Everyone has different experiences going through football clubs, and I know there was a lot of people put their hand up, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, that wanted to tell their story."

Fagan issued a scathing statement about the process on Tuesday night, while Clarkson has yet to offer a response to the investigation wrapping up.

Clarkson has been on indefinite leave from his position as North Melbourne coach for the past two weeks due to the emotional toll of the racism saga.

All three of the accused men have consistently denied any wrongdoing.